THE BASIC concept of parachute play is as a means to involve a group of people in an activity which is non-competitive, where everyone works towards a common goal and has fun.

Youth workers, teachers, indeed anyone who has worked with young people in a caring and motivating capacity in recent years has probably come into contact with parachute play. What is it about this particular activity that seems to generate so much enthusiasm from both players and group leaders?

To begin with, if parachute games weren't fun, nothing else would follow. Tremendously enjoyable for all, regardless of age, race or ability, they allow for complete integration of people from all walks of life, in a setting where all are equal. Even language barriers come tumbling down when laughter takes over.

Because it is impossible for such a large piece of equipment to be manipulated successfully without the co-operation of the entire group, a team spirit is immediately engendered, and often the awe-inspiring results promote feelings of success and self esteem. The game of “rollerball” is a prime example. The idea of the game is to get a ball moving around the outer rim of the ‘chute while all the players control their part of the chute.

To do this well all of the players need to watch each other carefully. They stand around the edge of the parachute, holding it in both hands at waist height. The ball is set in motion and it is the task of the players to keep it moving by creating a Mexican wave effect. When the basic skill is mastered, it is fun to see how fast the group can make the ball move. A further challenge can be added by introducing a second ball travelling in the opposite direction. Achieving the 'crossing over' of the balls is always greeted with cheers and whoops.

Parachute play has all the best social aspects of sports and team games going for it, and more! In fact much more, since this activity is not about winning and losing, it is about everyone working together to produce the desired results and achieving them through co-operation. Although rare, any lack of co-operation by the few will immediately affect the achievement of the whole and result in group censure and encouragement to conform. The ‘winning’ is the collective feeling of success and group achievement and not a feeling of superiority over one’s opponents.

Because it is fun and non-confrontational, playing parachute games is an excellent way of involving new group members and, indeed, of initiating a whole new group. Names can be learned and information gleaned through carefully thought out 'mushroom cross-over' questions and commands. For example, “cross over if you were looking forward to coming here today.” The ‘chute is ‘mushroomed’ - raised and filled with air by the entire group - and those whose answer is ‘yes’ let go and run underneath to catch the edge on the other side.

“Cross over if you felt a little nervous.” The second command given in this context of fun will elicit an honest response and help those who are feeling unsure to see they are not alone, or at least to share their feelings with the group.

In such a way parachute play can provide a co-operative forum in which some of the social issues facing young people today can be addressed. Through carefully posed cross-over questions, a particular issue can be touched upon in preparation for further discussion. Many discussion groups preparing to deal with serious issues concerning young people, find that a session of parachute games provides a springboard of group togetherness, confidence and openness for whatever issues are to be addressed. It is difficult to remain remote or recalcitrant after sharing fun and laughter, and the equalising effects which result often help to inspire an individual’s confidence in other aspects of group interaction. Sitting on or under the ‘chute can also create a close group environment when activities require quiet and concentration and the circular shape allows for all to be heard and seen equally. From the extremely active, high energy ice-breaking games, a move to gentler, more therapeutic trust games creates a change of atmosphere and encourages caring for each other's well-being. A simple example of such a game is 'walking on water'.

Having agreed on and experimented with certain movements of the ‘chute to represent different types of weather on the sea - from shaking vigorously to create enormous billows, to gentle motion creating a breeze, rippling the surface - a volunteer steps on to the parachute, held at ground level by the group, and proceeds to either walk or crawl around it in one direction while the group creates the various weather conditions. Their task is to give the volunteer an enjoyable ride while at the same time keeping them safe. All focus is on the volunteer and their challenge. In creating the 'sun', the entire group leans back, arms locked and takes the strain of pulling the parachute taut and hence often lifting the volunteer off the ground. The realisation of collective strength is empowering to any group and has obvious positive psychological ramifications with regard to the advantages of working together - whatever the issue.

It is important that leaders working with a parachute should be aware that no young person need ever be excluded, whatever their disability may be. We have found that with a little thought practically all games are adaptable for disabled young people, sometimes involving teaming up with an able partner. The spin-offs of such total integration are enormous for both the able and the disabled.

Valuing, recognising and respecting each individual's ability is the task of any good youth leader. Parachutes can be employed to help promote feelings of self esteem in the least confident of group members.

We create a ceremony where an individual can be congratulated and praised by the group for any appropriate achievement, however insignificant. The individual runs underneath the parachute when it is ‘mushroomed’ and stands still and straight as the centre hole descends over them. As they enlarge the whole group shouts their name and suitable congratulatory remarks and then claps while the individual returns to their place in the circle. Sensitively and sparingly used, there have been few young people, in our experience, who have not glowed under such positive approbation from their peers. It is always a plus if members of the group are encouraged to suggest suitable candidates for the treatment themselves.

Penny Stragnell is co-founder of SeamStress Ltd., a company which manufactures playchutes and provides training in their use. SeamStress has written its own parachute games booklet with safety suggestions. For further information contact SeamStress Ltd., 23 Banbury Road, Byfield, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 6XJ. Tel/fax: 01327-263933.

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